A prominent Adelaide pub has ignited a fierce local controversy after displaying a notice announcing it would close its main facilities on Australia Day due to extreme heat warnings, while simultaneously keeping its electronic gaming machine room operational.
Controversial Decision at The Bath Hotel
The Bath Hotel, located on The Parade in the eastern Adelaide suburb of Norwood, posted signage explaining the venue would be shut on the national holiday because of forecast severe heatwave conditions. However, the establishment clarified that its pokies gaming area would remain accessible to patrons throughout the closure period.
This contradictory approach quickly drew criticism from community members, with a photograph of the notice being shared extensively on social media platform Reddit, where it attracted hundreds of comments and sparked heated debate about the pub's motivations.
Social Media Backlash and Financial Suspicions
Many online commentators expressed scepticism about the stated reasons for the partial closure, with numerous users suggesting financial considerations were the true driving factor behind the decision.
'Gotta keep them pokies dollars flowing,' wrote one social media user pointedly, capturing the sentiment of many who believed revenue from electronic gaming machines was being prioritised over customer comfort and staff welfare.
Another commenter posed a provocative question: 'When you close down the rest of the facilities and just keep the gaming room open, are you now just an unlicensed casino?'
Several users highlighted the financial calculations involved, with one noting: 'That or pokies are a better return on 2.5x wages. A public holiday is a public holiday to payroll.'
The criticism extended beyond this specific incident, with one commenter lamenting: 'Pokies ruined everything about pubs,' reflecting broader concerns about the impact of gaming machines on traditional pub culture.
Extreme Weather Conditions and Practical Considerations
The controversy unfolded against a backdrop of severe weather warnings across South Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology had issued alerts predicting 'widespread, severe heatwave conditions' throughout the state, with Adelaide specifically forecast to experience temperatures reaching 37°C on Sunday, soaring to a scorching 45°C on Australia Day itself, before dropping slightly to 41°C on Tuesday.
Some social media users questioned the practical aspects of the decision, particularly regarding air conditioning capabilities. 'What's the air conditioning like? It's a lot easier to air condition the dank, dark pokies room than a bar, dining room and kitchen,' observed one commenter.
However, others challenged this assumption, with a different user countering: 'Considering that pokies are electronic machines I'm positive they put out plenty of heat. Strongly doubt it's easier to cool the pokie room than the bar areas.'
Defences and Alternative Explanations
Amid the criticism, some social media participants offered more charitable interpretations of the pub's decision, suggesting legitimate operational concerns might be behind the unusual arrangement.
One commenter proposed: 'Kitchen might not have air con?' while another elaborated: 'More likely that the kitchen is not adequately cooled for people to work in there, but the gaming room is, as most are.'
These defences highlighted potential workplace health and safety considerations, particularly regarding staff working in hot kitchen environments during extreme temperature events.
Notable Connections and Media Attention
The Bath Hotel has previously attracted attention beyond local Adelaide circles. UK viral personality John Fisher, widely known as 'Big John' and 'The Boshfather' for his booming catchphrase 'BOSH!' and substantial online food review following, briefly visited the establishment during filming for the Netflix docuseries Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen.
Fisher, who is also the father of heavyweight boxer Johnny Fisher, documented his experience at the venue as part of the series exploring Barry and Eddie Hearn's sports-promotion empire.
The Daily Mail has contacted The Bath Hotel management seeking comment on the Australia Day closure decision and the subsequent social media backlash, though no official response had been published at the time of writing.
The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Australia Day celebrations, workplace conditions during extreme weather events, and community attitudes toward electronic gaming machines in licensed venues.
